Ultrasound

Northshore Veterinary Hospital offers full abdominal ultrasound examinations to our feline and canine patients. Drs. Cook, Barron, and Kiffney have received continuing education in the field of abdominal ultrasound and have a special interest in this diagnostic tool. Furthermore, we work closely with a Board-Certified Veterinary Radiologist, Dr. Robert Kramer who reviews our studies.

In contrast to radiographs (X rays), no radiation is used in an ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves with a frequency higher than the human hearing range. The ultrasound probe emits sound waves that are either absorbed by tissue, passed through them, or are reflected (echo) back. Depending on how many sound waves are absorbed or reflected, an image of the internal organs is formed that can be seen on a monitor. Most ultrasound studies in dogs and cats do not require sedation or anesthesia, as it is a painless procedure. A very comfortable foam trough is used to support the patients weight, and some dogs and cats will fall asleep during the procedure. Hair is clipped/shaved from the area to be evaluated as hair will interfere with the image.

Ultrasound is very useful for evaluation of abdominal organs as it can reveal detail that won’t be demonstrated on radiographs. We can see inside abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands and more. Additionally, it can be used to detect pregnancy in dogs and cats from day 21 forward.